Aston Villa appoint Di Matteo as manager

Former Chelsea manager, Roberto di Matteo, has been appointed the new manager of Aston Villa.

The Italian succeeds Remi Garde, who was sacked in March before the club’s relegation from the Premier League, the BBC reports.

Di Matteo, who won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012, will be assisted by former Blues team-mate, Steve Clarke.

Villa was also linked with ex-Manchester United boss, David Moyes and new Derby County manager, Nigel Pearson, but Di Matteo was always first choice.

Dr. Tony Xia, the Chinese businessman whose takeover of Villa is awaiting Football League and Premier League approval, is convinced Di Matteo will raise the West Midlands club’s profile in the Championship.